How does Skype work?

With Skype you can make calls with "VoIP" over your Internet connection with friends all over the world. How this works and what the software can do is shown in this article.

1. Set up Skype - Here's how

With Skype, you can chat with other users, make video calls with others, or even make calls to landlines and cell phones.

1. You can use Skype on your PC or notebook just as you can on your smartphone and tablet.
2. If you have not yet installed Skype on your computer, you can download it here or download the Skype app on your iPhone or Android smartphone.
3. After installation, you need to create an account with a username and password.
4. An audio test then optimizes the microphone and speaker settings for video telephony.
5. You can then (optionally) add a profile picture and then dive into the world of Internet telephony.

2. The main Skype functions

When calling with the messenger "Skype" you will see many parallels to your cell phone or smartphone. The main functions:

• Contacts: Search for friends and relatives via the "Contacts"> "Add contacts" tab. You can find your acquaintances using the email address or the Skype name.
• Chat: You can chat with your contacts as soon as one of them is online. In the settings you also determine whether everyone can write to you or just your contacts.
• Skype-to-Skype telephony: Select a contact from your contact list and click on "Call" or "Video call". As long as you only make calls and chat with other Skype participants, there are no costs.
• Skype-to-phone: If you want to call a cell phone or landline connection, this is also possible with Skype. However, you incur costs. In another article, we will clarify the payment options.
• Own Skype number: In addition to your user account for Skype calls, you can also purchase a "real" telephone number. You can then also be called from fixed or mobile connections. This practical tip will help you to set up your new Skype phone number.
• With a Skype number, functions such as call forwarding are also available.
• Video conference: With up to 25 participants, you can conduct a group video conference on Skype. We have put together the details for you here.

Common problems with Skype

Here we have put together some help for common problems with Skype:

• The video transmission is not working.
• No sound during transmission.
• The connection is bad.

We present other portals for chat and video telephony in the practical tip on the "best Skype alternatives".